Assistant Vice President for Online Learning and Professional Education

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Job Description Summary
Miami University (Miami) seeks an innovative, collaborative, and visionary leader for its next Assistant Vice President for Online Learning and Professional Education (AVP). The new AVP will have the opportunity to lead and build a vision for the new Miami Online operation, a merger between two independent units on the Miami campus in Oxford and the Regional campuses. Miami seeks applications and nominations for an exceptional leader with a strong record of collaboration and a forward-looking vision for online and professional education.

This role will oversee the development and expansion of online undergraduate and graduate degree/certificate programs, as well as professional education offerings. The AVP will collaborate with campus partners to create cutting-edge online programs that address workforce needs in Ohio and beyond. Additionally, this leader will work closely with industry partners to develop professional development opportunities, including online modules and micro-credentials, to generate new revenue streams for the university.

The AVP will lead Miami Online to adapt rapidly and with flexibility to changes in market demand, higher education, and instructional technology by anticipating future needs and offering innovative curricula and modes of learning to meet those needs. Miami is looking for a leader with strategic acumen, a data-informed approach, an inclusive and accessible leadership style, and a passion for the power of education to transform lives. Reporting to the Vice President of the Regional Campuses, the new AVP will lead a new unit committed to providing in-demand programming for internal and external audiences. The AVP will oversee a staff of about 25 individuals who reside on multiple campuses and will be responsible for articulating a combined vision and strategy to prospective students, faculty, industry leaders, and organizations.  

The AVP will sit on the Council of Academic Deans and involve faculty and staff from across all campuses to strengthen and grow this new unit. This leader will lead Miami, with its regional campuses and residential campus, into a new era of strength and success in the space of online learning.

Job Description
Reporting to the Vice President of Regional Campuses, the Assistant Vice President for Online Learning and Professional Education will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Miami Online. This is a high-impact position that requires an inclusive, forward-thinking leader who is excited to guide Miami University into a new era of strength and success in the online education space.

The AVP will:

• Lead the strategic development of new online programs and courses, in alignment with the MiamiTHRIVE strategic plan;
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop professional education offerings that meet evolving market and workforce demands;
• Drive innovation in online learning by adopting emerging instructional technologies and flexible learning modalities;
• Work with campus leadership to implement strategic initiatives and expand Miami Online’s presence on both regional and residential campuses;
• Oversee a cross-campus team of 25 staff members, fostering an inclusive, accessible, and data-driven culture;
• Serve as a strategic advisor on online learning trends, data analytics, and program growth to the Council of Academic Deans;
• Champion the growth of Miami Online to support student success and lifelong learning

Minimum Qualifications:
Miami seeks a candidate with leadership experience within an online unit or office and a proven ability to collaborate across silos with university leaders, faculty, staff, and students. The AVP will possess a deep understanding of the online learning landscape and have a graduate-level degree in the field of higher education, information sciences, or management; relevant experience may substitute for the field of study.

Consideration may be given to candidates with:

• Demonstrated experience in online education leadership, program development, and workforce-aligned curricula.
• Strategic, data-informed decision-making skills with a proven ability to adapt to changes in higher education and market demands.
• Strong collaboration skills, with a history of working with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• A passion for education’s role in transforming lives and addressing societal and economic challenges.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in online learning environments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to build consensus and collaborate across all campuses;
• A distinguished record of service and experience developing revenue-generating programs in an academic or business setting;
• An entrepreneurial mindset and a demonstrated track record of conceptualizing and launching innovative degree and non-degree programming for a variety of learners;
• A proven record of success as an organizational leader, including deep familiarity with both in-person and online education across a variety of fields;
• A data-informed approach to evaluating and implementing best practices and emerging trends in online and professional education;
• Leadership experience in higher education or elsewhere and the ability to form effective relationships, especially with faculty, students, and administrative colleagues;
• A deep understanding of higher education and market needs;
• Demonstrated success in leading organizational transformation;
• Experience administering a complex budget and a vision about how to generate revenue;
• The ability to innovate, collaborate, and lead a talented, diverse group of staff.

 

Required Application Documents
Letter of interest and a curriculum vitae

 

Special Instructions (if applicable)
The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and on an ongoing basis over the Fall of 2024. For best consideration, please submit materials as soon as possible. The requested application materials include a letter of interest, and a curriculum vitae. The requested application materials, including a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae, should be submitted using  DSG’s candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries should be directed to MiamiAVPOnlineLearning@storbecksearch.com.

Miami University is assisted in the search by Storbeck Search; for additional information, please contact:
R. Thomas Fitch, Managing Director
Amanda Bennett, Senior Associate
Storbeck Search
MiamiAVPOnlineLearning@storbecksearch.com

 

 

 

Additional Information

A criminal background check is required. All campuses are smoke- and tobacco-free campuses.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Remote Work
For positions that are approved for remote work: Remote work is not a right, it is a work arrangement that can be modified or revoked by Miami University at any time for any reason, including the convenience of the University.

Reasonable Accommodations
Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560. Questions and follow-ups regarding requests should also be directed here.

Diversity Statement
Miami University is committed to creating an inclusive and effective teaching, learning, research, and working environment for all. For more information on Miami University’s diversity initiatives, please visit the Office of Transformational and Inclusive Excellence webpage. For more information on Miami University’s mission and core values, please visit the Mission and Core Values webpage.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560.

Clery Act
As part of the University’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at: http://www.MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html, which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at 513-529-2223.

Labor Law Posters for Applicants

Please visit our Labor Law Posters webpage to access all relevant and applicable labor law information.